Why Employees Leaving Job
7 March, 2023
Workplace hazards are recurrent in most work environments. They are numerous and can be ensued from various factors such as the type of work being done, substances, the equipment used, the workplace environment, and even can be the outcome of behaviour and conduct of the people working in such environment. Workplace hazards can cause harm, injury or illness to workers and result in loss of life or limb, property and even legal consequences for employers. It is therefore crucial to identify and address workplace hazards to ensure the safety and well-being of employees. Because the workplace is supposed to be a reliable and congenial place, where those working can work freely without any menace knocking at the doors.
Through the medium of this article, PCS determines to caution business owners, plant managers and the common workmen about the usual workplace hazards and how they can be mitigated well in advance because as they say- Precaution Is Always Better Than Cure.
What constitutes a workplace hazard?
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has defined workplace hazards as “any source of potential damage, harm or adverse health effects on something or someone.” So basically hazards cover both property and person and have detrimental effects on their health and environment.
5 Types of Hazards and Risks
1. Physical Hazards
Physical hazards are one of the most widespread hazards in the workplace. These hazards can include slips, trips, falls, loud noise, being struck by objects, getting caught in machinery, harmful gases, exposure to extreme temperatures, harm from violent radiations and pressure. Such hazards, though least obvious, are most prevalent in industries such as construction, road transportation, manufacturing, and excavation.
Prevention protocol: To prevent such hazards that can’t easily be perceived, employers should ensure that the workplace is free from clutter, limit noises, install proper lighting and ventilation, place barriers between workers and harmful equipment, and provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, safety goggles, and gloves. They can also conduct regular maintenance on machinery and equipment to prevent malfunctioning that could cause injuries. Most importantly, workmen should be well-trained and protected to avert such risks to their life and health.
2. Chemical Hazards
Such workplace hazards thrive in places where workers are exposed to dangerous chemicals in solid, liquid or gaseous forms. They can include exposure to poisonous substances such as cleaning agents, raw materials, flammable gases, solvents, etc. as well as chemical burns from corrosive materials. Agricultural industries, laboratories and manufacturing units are mainly susceptible to chemical hazards.
Prevention protocol: Employers can prevent chemical hazards by providing workers with meaningful training on handling and using incompatible chemicals, ensuring that chemicals and gases are properly labelled and stored, and providing adequate ventilation to prevent the accumulation of toxic fumes. Provide them with respirators, rubber gloves, safety goggles are other chemical-resistant protective garments. Employers can also conduct regular chemical risk assessments and clear policies are a must to identify potential hazards and implement appropriate measures to reduce them.
3. Biological Hazards
Biological hazards occur most typically when workers are exposed to infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Workers in healthcare facilities, laboratories, law enforcement agencies, waste management, and animal shelters are particularly susceptible to biological hazards. It entails exposure to bodily fluids like blood, fungi, animal diseases, bacteria, dust, vermin, sewage, etc.
Prevention protocol: organization control biological hazards by checking that workers are properly trained, have access to personal protective equipment(PPEs) such as masks and gloves, pest extermination for proper infection control measures, and implementing policies and procedures such as employee immunization programs that promote good hygiene practices.
4. Ergonomic Hazards
These hazards can risk people's lives by causing them musculoskeletal injuries. These result from strenuous tasks, body postures, working conditions, and manual lifting, that strain their muscles and joints, leading to injuries such as repetitive strain injury (RSI), back pain, sore muscles, fatigue and carpal tunnel syndrome. Industries such as construction, healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, and office setups are susceptible to ergonomic hazards.
Prevention protocol: ergonomic hazards can be prevented by providing workers with safety equipment such as chairs, desks, and keyboards that promote good workstation posture, giving them breaks and training workers on right lifting techniques and other ergonomic solutions.
5. Psychological Hazards
Psychological hazards prevail when workers are subjected to stressful or traumatic situations such as violent dispositions from others, excessive burnout, bullying, aggression and sexual harassment. These are common in any type of job but Workers in healthcare facilities, schools, and customer service jobs are highly prone to psychological hazards.
Prevention protocol: by implementing policies and procedures that promote a safe, stress-free and respectful workplace, devise conflict resolution methods and other communication skills, and provide access to mental health support services for workers.
Conclusion
Workplace hazards can pose significant risks to workers and result in significant harm, including loss of life or limb and overall physical and mental health of those involved. Therefore, prevention and control of such life- threatening hazards should be a pressing obligation for all employers and organizations. They have an ardent responsibility towards their employees, and to identify and address workplace hazards to ensure the safety and upbeat of their employees.
By enforcing appropriate measures such as providing personal protective equipment, conducting appropriate risk assessments, and promoting good ergonomic practices, employers and workmen can work together to eliminate workplace hazards and foster a safe work zone for the workmen.
